Small crimes always precede great crimes. Whoever has been able to transgress the limits set by law may afterwards violate the most sacred rights; crime, like virtue, has its degrees, and never have we seen timid innocence pass suddenly to extreme licentiousness.

The principal rule of art is to please and to move. All the other rules were created to achieve this first one.

I embrace my rival, but only to strangle him.

If I could believe that this was said sincerely, I could put up with anything.

The glory of my name increases my shame. Less known by mortals, I could better escape their eyes.

When will the veil be lifted that casts so black a night over the universe? God of Israel, lift at last the gloom: For how long will you be hidden?

Crime like virtue has its degrees; and timid innocence was never known to blossom suddenly into extreme license.